African Tribal Masks Essay Example

had special meaning as they reflected the sun and had the power to fight evil spirits. Shells and glass were used for similar purposes. Shells symbolized fertility as they resembled female exterior genitalia. Cowry shells were used to show that the mask is blessed with wealth.

Feather masks were used in war and danger as the wearer could defend and fight successfully. (African Masks, Tribal Art and Sculptures 2000)

Further, Africans believed that masks possessed magical energy, spiritual energy, wisdom and power and very often masks were used to benefit to tribal members’ health and well being. As it is mentioned above, African masks represented the spirit of ancestors who possessed the person who wore the mask.

When working on a mask, craftsmen had to choose a soft and light tree, then to perform ceremonies to calm down the spirit of the fallen tree offering sacrifice. Craftsmen worked in secrecy as Africans believed that masks were created by supernatural forces, not by humans. (Nagle 1993)

It is necessary to admit that masks were thought to acquire its magical and supernatural power after the cock is sacrifice. After the sacrifice the mask was given life and spirit could live in it. During traditional rituals and ceremonies masks were kept away from common people or they were placed in nearby caves.

African tribal masks made of bark were often burnt after the end of the ritual. Usually, masks were never thrown away, but spirit might decide to transfer to a new mask.

For example, Bafo tribe made small and medium size masks which were sitting, crouching or standing (see picture). Bafo

used tribal masks in oath-taking ceremonies. Finally, masks were sometimes used simply as objects with decorative purpose. (African Masks, Tribal Art and Sculptures 2000)

References

African Masks, Tribal Art and Sculptures. (2000). Retrieved March 14, 2008, from http://www.africanvariety.com/

Nagle, Geraldine. (1993). The Arts: World Themes. USA: McGraw-Hill.